Redeem the Time

Ephesians 5:1-17 KJV 

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

The list of things that are unacceptable to God that appear in verses 3-4 seem to describe America today. So many people not only participate in these things, but also try extensively to get others to also participate, or at least condone them, through the cry of tolerance.

Let's look closer at what those are.

     fornication=harlotry, adultery, incest

     uncleanness=impurity-physically or morally

     covetousness=fraudulent greed or extortion

     filthiness=obscenity

      foolish talking=silly talk, buffoonery

     jesting=vulgar witticism

How are we to act when confronted with these behaviors?

     In love! (vs. 2)

However, what does walking in love look like?

     1. Don't be deceived (vs. 6)

     2. Don't partake (vs. 7)

     3. Walk in the light (vs. 8)

     4. Don't fellowship with those that do partake (vs. 11). Notice it says fellowship; it doesn't say not          to associate with them or show them love. Fellowship means, "to share in company with, i.e.              co-participate in:--communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of."

     5. Reprove them (vs. 11). Reprove means, "of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish:--convict,            convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove." By reproving them, we are bringing them to light.

We are to be wise and walk (act) wisely. Don't be foolish and think that by ignoring it or letting everyone do their own things that things will get better or that it won't affect you. Redeem the time--turn people from evil and towards wisdom. What is wisdom? The will of God!